What's that in the sky? Vandenberg rocket launches

LeeAnn Sunn-Wagner / U.S. Air Force

A "twilight phenomenon" can be seen in the wake of the Minotaur I launch in September 2005. The effect is caused by unspent fuel freezing at high altitude. The frozen particles reflect sunlight from below the horizon.

A "twilight phenomenon" can be seen in the wake of the Minotaur I launch in September 2005. The effect is caused by unspent fuel freezing at high altitude. The frozen particles reflect sunlight from below the horizon. (LeeAnn Sunn-Wagner / U.S. Air Force)